News

1st Patient Dosed in Phase 3 Trial of Batoclimab in China

The first participant has been dosed in a Phase 3 clinical trial testing the efficacy and safety of batoclimab (HBM9161) in people with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in China. “The first patient first dosing in the phase III study brings us one step closer to deliver the novel therapeutic…

Exercise Program Improved Muscle, Physical Function

Muscle and physical function improved in patients with clinically stable myasthenia gravis (MG) who participated in an individually tailored six-month exercise program, a small study has found. The exercise program, which combined aerobic and resistance training with stretches, was well-tolerated by all participants. “Physical exercise is safe, effective, and…

MGFA Poised for 2021 Coast-to-Coast Walk 2740 Challenge

With the goal of raising funds and awareness to improve care and find a cure for myasthenia gravis (MG), the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) is hosting the 2021 Coast-to-Coast Walk and 2740 Challenge on Nov. 13. The event, which will be held virtually this year,…

New Institute Aims to Leave No Rare Disease Patient Behind

A newly launched non-profit institute is seeking to advance research, and the development of new therapies, for people with rare diseases — a patient community with some of the largest therapeutic needs, but one that is often left behind. Named the Institute for Life Changing Medicines, the project was…

Swallowing Muscle Test May Help Diagnose MG

The flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing-tensilon test (FTT), a new diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis (MG), can be used to distinguish people with swallowing difficulties due to MG from those having similar symptoms caused by other conditions, according to a new study. The study, “Detecting myasthenia…

Group Focuses on Rare Disease Clinical Trial Participation

Participation in clinical trials exposes rare disease patients to financial, physical, and emotional pressures, according to the results of a patient focus group series. “Rare disease trial participants are running an endurance race they are highly motivated to complete, but these incremental burdens negatively impact their ability or willingness to…

CAR T-cell Therapy Descartes-08 Eased MG Symptoms

Treatment with Descartes-08, an investigational CAR T-cell therapy, markedly eased symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG) in three patients participating in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial assessing the therapy’s safety and preliminary efficacy. “This is the first clinical trial of CAR T-cells for an autoimmune disease. Naturally, the first patients…